How to Avoid ATM Fees

Why pay extra fees every time you withdraw money? ATM fees can mount up considerably over a year. But there are several ways in which you can avoid paying them, or at least reduce the amount.

Many people simply dont realise just how much they are spending in ATM fees. This is just wasted money that would be far better in your pocket than being siphoned off to your banking institution. Making a few changes in your spending habits will put this money back where it belongs.
Firstly, find the correct ATM for your banking service. ATM fees go sky-high if you use an ATM that is not specifically for your bank or credit union. It may be inconveniently located, but it is worth the effort of an extra walk to save those ATM fees.
Secondly, withdraw a larger amount. This will save you going back yet again to the ATM for another withdrawal and another ATM fee. Watch that you don't actually spend this extra on unnecessary goods, but keep it for your original purchases. Otherwise you may find that you still have to go and get more.
Being discipline in your spending is a good thing. You can count up your bills and withdraw just enough money in one hit to pay them all in one go. This means that you will only have to pay ATM fees once instead of several times.
Thirdly, you could go into the bank to withdraw your money, though you will still need to watch the number of withdrawals you make per month in case an extra fee is charged. Fourthly, you could get a cheque account so that you can pay your utilities with a cheque instead of by withdrawing cash from an ATM.
Mel writes about atm fees among other finance related topics.